Oregon Zoo March 2005 Press Releases

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NOTE: Dates indicate date of press release, not the date of the event.

March 2005

March 30 - Elephantastic at Oregon Zoo Features Packy's 43rd Birthday
March 29 - State of the Zoo Address Slated for April 13
March 21 - Sneak a Peek at Storks, Behind Zoo Scenes
March 18 - Zoo Hosts Spring Fling at the Farm
March 15 - Renowned Tree-Climbing Conservationist Speaks at Zoo
March 14 - Oregon Zoo Receives $235,000 for California Condors
March 14 - Zoo Welcomes Two More Condor Eggs From First Time Moms
March 11 - Rabbits, Candy & Condor Names
March 11 - Zoo Seeks Public Input on Condor Name
March 10 - Zoo's Gone "Wild" for Spring Break!
March 9 - Families Go Behind the Scenes, Discover World's Largest and Smallest Bears
March 7 - Rare Condor Egg Deemed Fertile
March 4 - Polar Bears Play Irish Tug-Of-War
March 3 - Zoo Hosts an Affair for Bears And Behind the Scenes Tour
March 2 - Oregon's First Condor Hatched in 100 Years Travels South

March 30, 2005
ELEPHANTASTIC AT OREGON ZOO FEATURES PACKY'S 43rd BIRTHDAY
Zoo expands Packy's birthday to create a two-day elephant extravaganza

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo is throwing an elephant-sized party to celebrate the species that made it famous. Elephantastic, a two-day celebration of Asian elephants April 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase training sessions, keeper talks, games and the ever-popular fashion accessory, elephant ears.

The highlight of the event will be Packy's 43rd birthday party, Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Keepers will present Packy, the zoo's most famous elephant, with his giant birthday cake. Packy's fans are invited to sing "Happy Birthday" while the prestigious pachyderm eats (or stomps on) his cake. Packy's party, which is the longest-running event in zoo history, has become a great family tradition.

"We decided that, since Packy is so big and so well loved, he needed not just one but two days to celebrate," said Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio.

Packy's cake, baked by the zoo's own Chef Paul Warner, is a 40-pound whole-wheat concoction topped with frosting, apples, carrots and celery. All guests are invited to share free birthday cake, courtesy of Lamb's Markets, beginning at noon.

Also on Saturday, visitors can meet costumed elephants Eliza and Elliot while they enjoy face painting and games, and the day wouldn't be complete without taking a moment to sign the BIG guy's birthday card.

Packy, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in more than 45 years, was born on April 14, 1962, making international news. Gifts poured in, a song was written in his honor and a radio station sponsored a naming contest. Gresham, Oregon resident Wayne W. French submitted the winning name.

Packy is the oldest and largest male Asian elephant in the United States; he stands 10'6" at the shoulder and his average weight is 14,020 pounds. He has fathered seven calves, including 21-year-old Sung-Surin ("Sunshine") and Rama, both of whom currently live at the zoo.

Elephantastic continues on Sunday with elephant training and feeding demonstrations, with a special focus on Rama and his painting activities. Rama will also celebrate his 22nd birthday (belatedly) with a special cake in the indoor gallery on Sunday, April 17 at 1 p.m. (Rama's birthday is April 1).

March 29, 2005
STATE OF THE ZOO ADDRESS SLATED FOR APRIL 13
Director reviews last year's highlights and discusses future plans for the zoo

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio will deliver his annual State of the Zoo address on Wednesday, April 13, at 11:30 a.m. at the Spring Corporate Luncheon in the Cascade Crest Banquet Center. The State of the Zoo address is sponsored by Stoel Rives LLP and co-sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

Vecchio will also discuss the zoo's national conservation efforts, such as its highly successful condor recovery program, which has produced three fertile eggs so far in 2005 alone. He will also touch on the zoo's community enrichment programs, including Zoo Animal Presenters and Urban Nature Overnights, which serve disadvantaged youth.

More than 150 leaders of Oregon's businesses will attend the State of the Zoo address.

"Corporations and businesses help us achieve our mission to inspire the community to care for the future of wildlife," says Vecchio. "Their contributions are critical; they help us create world-class conservation efforts, educational programs, special events and exhibits."

Tickets for the Spring Corporate Luncheon are $15 per person or $200 for a corporate table of eight. The public can reserve their tickets by calling 503-220-5734 before April 6. All guests may enter a drawing for two round-trip tickets to any Southwest Airlines destination.

For more information about innovative partnerships that can benefit both businesses and the Oregon Zoo, please call Cynthia Thompson, the zoo's corporate relations manager, at 503-220-5734.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Think you can measure up to a five foot African Saddle-Billed stork? Find out when you feed these birds during the Oregon Zoo's Behind the Scenes Birds Encounter, Saturday April 9, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Explore bird areas not normally accessible to the public, and learn about the zoo's most colorful and energetic residents directly from zoo staff.

Discover which birds can swallow two pound pieces of food and which build nests strong enough to support a person. Learn what it takes to care for birds the size of their hand and birds as tall as some people.

Vibrant feathers adorn the Africa Savanna tour, while zookeepers teach guests about the mixed species exhibits, nesting behaviors, and the Howard Vollum aviary. Guests also get closer than most when they feed earthworms to the African Saddle-Billed stork and bugs to the other anxious birds.

"Our Behind the Scenes Encounters help instill a love for animals," says Charis Henrie, education coordinator. "They provide meaningful experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime," she added.

Questions are answered during the one-hour tour as guests discover the rewards and challenges of caring for wild animals. Behind the Scenes Encounters are for guests ages 12 and up. Prices are $34 for zoo members and $40 for non-members.

March 18, 2005
ZOO HOSTS SPRING FLING AT THE FARM
Hands-on opportunities for fun at Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit, April 2

PORTLAND, Ore. - Make a scarecrow, prepare freshly-sheared wool for a "Sheep to Shawl" demonstration, and get your hands dirty with a certified Master Gardener at the Oregon Zoo's very own volunteer-run farm. These opportunities and more are available during the Spring Fling at the Farm event at the zoo on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

"This is really a chance for the zoo's family farm youth volunteers to show off what they've learned," said Charis Henrie, program coordinator. "They didn't just do the work, they did all the planning and made all the arrangements-while going to school full-time," she added. The Trillium Creek Family Farm is run by teenage volunteers.

kids petting a goat

Activities for children will include puppet shows, face painting, story times, and craft activities, as well as volunteer demonstrations of agility training with the farm's goats. The barn's "kitchen" will also be open to the public, providing the chance to see how the animals' meals are prepared and find out more about the enrichment activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Other displays will provide information about the unique animals of the Shetland Islands, including the Shetland sheep and Shetland pony. And as always, visitors will be able to interact with and pet animals such as goats, rabbits and chickens. Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions.

The Trillium Creek Family Farm exhibit opened July 10, 2004. It covers a total of 18,000 square feet, including a 3,000 square foot barn and a 1,700 square foot farmhouse, as well as a farmyard and several animal corrals. The farm design is based on existing historic farms in Oregon.

The family farm youth volunteer program was a response to a growing demand from middle and high-school students for career exploration opportunities at the zoo. "With so many students showing an interest in being zookeepers, we had to create a program that could accommodate them," said Henrie. "This gives them experience in the basics of zoo keeping-caring for animals, record-keeping, cleaning, and disseminating information to the public-without the risk involved working with lions and tigers," she laughed.

March 15, 2005
RENOWNED TREE-CLIMBING CONSERVATIONIST SPEAKS AT ZOO
Zoo's Women in Conservation Lectures feature preservation efforts from around the world

PORTLAND, Ore. - When Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, "Queen of the Forest Canopy," heads to work she doesn't go to an office. Instead she takes to the sky in hot-air balloons, or straps on her climbing gear to scale 150-foot trees in the Costa Rican rainforests. On March 29 at 7 p.m. the Oregon Zoo welcomes Nadkarni as she shares her firsthand experiences in a lecture titled Exploring the Rainforest Canopies.

"I can think of no better way to see the forest than from the treetops," says Nadkarni. Climbing trees lets me be where the ecological action is-where sunlight is captured, where pollinators buzz by, where the incoming mist curls into the canopy."

Nadkarni has dedicated her life to conserving rainforests and their ecosystems, educating scientists, researchers, and the general public.

"Everyone knows-or knew-the joy of climbing trees as kids," according to Nadkarni. "Canopy researchers like me have simply taken it a few steps further into adulthood and the realm of ecological science. Today, canopy studies are a recognized part of understanding the complex world of forest ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere."

Nadkarni's research is unique in that she has explored ways to integrate elements of the rainforest into everyday items in order to raise funds and awareness for rainforest conservation. These items include canopy camouflage, which details patterns and designs found in the rainforest, a "tree-top" Barbie featuring clothing and gear used in rainforest exploration, and the incorporation of a tree-oriented slogan onto baseball cards, to evoke the association between baseball bats and trees.

Nadkarni has contributed nearly 20 years to the compilation of her research and has authored more than 70 scientific articles and two scholarly books. She has appeared in numerous television documentaries, and was most recently featured as a canopy scientist in a National Geographic television special on tropical forest canopies titled Heroes of the High Frontier.

The Women in Conservation Series is presented by Pro Photo Supply with additional support from David Evans and Associates, Portland General Electric and Southwest Airlines. Hosts for the series are Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Zoo, and World Forestry Center.

The motivation for this series is the hope that community knowledge will be raised in the areas of wildlife conservation, environmental problems, and ecological systems.

Lectures will be held in the Oregon Zoo's Banquet Center and begin at 7 p.m. Cost for each lecture: $10 for non-members, $8 for members of host organizations, students or seniors. Cost for season tickets for four-lecture series: $36 for non-members, $28 for members of host organizations, students, or seniors.

March 14, 2005
OREGON ZOO RECEIVES $235,000 FOR CALIFORNIA CONDORS

PORTLAND Ore. - The Oregon Zoo Foundation has received a $235,000 contribution from Erik Jonsson, representing the Jonsson family, to complete the zoo’s off-site condor breeding facility. The facility will be renamed the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation in honor of the gift.

Erik Jonsson developed a passion for condors as a private pilot when soaring with the massive birds. The perspective of flying a thermal current with a condor left him with a lasting impression.

As a longtime zoo member, Jonsson and his family have shared many unique experiences at the zoo, including camps and classes, which his children have attended.

“ Our zoo has been so good for the kids. I want to be sure future generations have many wonderful experiences at our zoo, and I hope this investment will help inspire others to get more involved as well,” commented Jonsson.

The Jonsson family’s leadership gift will increase awareness of the zoo’s condor conservation efforts, as well as other conservation efforts, including Washington pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, and western pond turtles. The contribution will make the Oregon Zoo’s dream of creating a conservation facility dedicated to the science of saving endangered species a reality.

This generous gift will fund the final phase of construction for the condor facility, which will be completed this summer. With the potential arrival of multiple chicks in late April, and additional adult birds expected to arrive soon, further expansion is necessary. The zoo recently learned it will receive another adult condor, traveling from the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, arriving March 20.

Once completed, the expanded facility will allow for 16 breeding pairs producing up to 32 young a year, doubling the amount of holding and breeding space. In addition, it will feature a flight aviary, where young condors can learn survival skills. The flight aviary will include a mock utility pole capable of giving young condors a mild shock. The mild shock is designed to encourage the condors to avoid power poles to prevent electrocution in the wild.

“ Knowing that each chick is a candidate for release to the wild, construction of the flight aviary is a critical piece,” according to Joe Burnett, assistant curator for condors. “It’s a boot camp for condors. It’s where they discover the dangers of power poles, and learn how to act like wild condors from elder birds.”

The Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation will focus on saving condors and endangered Washington pygmy rabbits. In the future the center will work to save other endangered species, yet to be identified.

The Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation is located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation has had an eventful week. Not one, but two eggs were laid. Three separate breeding pairs have produced eggs this year, two of which are first-time parents in Oregon. Unfortunately, one egg was damaged when laid and may not hatch.

Seven-year-old Wiloq and her mate Woy laid the egg on March 11. The egg is Wiloq’s first in the breeding program. That morning, Wiloq moved from the facility’s nesting room to the feeding room where she laid her egg on the concrete floor. The egg suffered multiple hairline fractures. To prevent further damage the egg was removed, repaired, and placed in an incubator. According to Joe Burnett, assistant curator for condors, the likelihood of the egg being fertile remains slim. “We’re hoping for a miracle,” he said.

On March 12, seven-year-old Sawlu laid an egg in her nest cave. The egg is the first ever for Sawlu and her mate Paxa, and the pair has been incubating normally. “The verdict is still out on the fertility of the egg,” said Burnett, “but either way it’s a great sign of things to come here at the condor site,”

“ When only 242 of these magnificent birds remain in the world, every single egg is one step closer to saving the species,” said Burnett.

In November 2003, the Oregon Zoo received 12 condors. On Mother’s Day 2004, the zoo welcomed its first condor chick-condor 340, which now weighs 25 pounds. The chick traveled to California’s pre-release flight aviary in mid-February and will be released into the wild this summer.

The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program. California condor captive breeding programs are operated at San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, and The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. The recovery goal for the condor program is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors (150 each), one in California and the other in Arizona. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery efforts and provide oversight of all program partners.

The last condors were seen in Oregon in 1904, near the town of Drain, in southwest Oregon. Condors held out a little longer in California, but in 1987, there were only 17 left in the wild. In an attempt to save the species, biologists decided to place all the remaining condors into a captive breeding program. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the California condor was one of the original animals included on the list.

Condors are the largest land birds in North America, with wingspans of 9 1⁄2 feet. They are highly intelligent and inquisitive, often engaging in play. During the Pleistocene Era, which ended about 10,000 years ago, the condors’ range extended across much of North America. By 1940, the range was reduced to the coastal mountains of southern California.

Caption: Wiloq, pictured here, is a female California condor that recently laid an egg at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. Her mate is Woy.

March 11, 2005
RABBITS, CANDY & CONDOR NAMES
Zoo welcomes spring with annual Rabbit Romp, March 26

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Zoo invites families to celebrate spring during Rabbit Romp on Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rabbit Romp, which is presented by HomeStreet Bank, is free with regular zoo admission.

Rabbit Romp features a traditional candy egg hunt, which begins at 9 a.m. and repeats every 20 minutes. Children age three to ten are divided into four age groups, with each group having a chance to find a "magic" egg, which contains a special prize. Toddlers age two and under can participate in a candy egg hunt organized especially for them.

Other activities include a petting zoo, games, face painting, photo opportunities and an "Animaland," where kids can purchase and build their own new bunny friend, or other animal of their choice. Kids can dress their newly created plush in a special commemorative Rabbit Romp T-shirt available at the zoo's gift shop.

Several lucky Rabbit Rompers may win a chance to hide special "eggs" (treats such as apples and yams) for the zoo's elephants to find. The elephants' egg hunt takes place at 1:30 p.m. Polar bears and sea otters also celebrate Rabbit Romp with special egg-themed enrichment.

Zoo volunteers are available to share information about the Washington pygmy rabbit, a critically endangered species that the zoo is bringing back from the brink of extinction. A pygmy rabbit video plays throughout the event.

This year's Rabbit Romp also focuses on a different kind of egg: the recently laid endangered condor egg. The zoo is seeking the public's help in naming the soon-to-be-arriving condor chick by visiting www.normthompson.com. The winning name will be announced during the event. Portland-based retailer Norm Thompson is selling chocolate condor eggs to support the zoo's condor efforts. The chocolate eggs are also available in the zoo's gift shop.

PORTLAND, Ore.--Maybe you can't count your chicks before they've hatched, but you can still name them. The Oregon Zoo Foundation and Portland-based retailer Norm Thompson have announced an online contest to choose a name for the zoo's first condor chick of 2005. The condor egg was laid Feb. 21 and is expected to hatch in late April.

The public can vote for their favorite name at Norm Thompson's Web site, www.normthompson.com. Online voting will continue through Thursday, March 24. The chosen name will be announced at the zoo's annual Rabbit Romp, Saturday March 26.

Pictured is last year's condor chick, which will be released into the wild this summer. In late April, the zoo expects it's first condor chick of 2005. The zoo is asking the public to help name the chick by visiting www.normthompson.com.

"I've already chosen my favorite name," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "It will be interesting to see if people from central Washington or southern Oregon adopt this condor as their own and get behind the Yakama or Klamath name. And of course, we can't forget the Sacagawea and Lewis and Clark enthusiasts," he added.

The naming contest is part of a month-long condor celebration, for which Norm Thompson is also selling 5,000 chocolate condor eggs, each containing a solid chocolate condor chick. The company will donate $5 from the $16.50 purchase of each egg to the zoo's condor recovery efforts.

"Norm Thompson is taking a leadership role in contributing to the conservation of this endangered species--the largest land bird in North America," said Vecchio. "Every chocolate egg Norm Thompson sells helps ensure the future of this remarkable bird."

Norm Thompson's chocolate eggs are available at the zoo's gift shop and through Norm Thompson's Web site, catalogs, and retail stores.

"We are helping to save a species," said John Emrick, Norm Thompson president and CEO. "The condors are truly awe-inspiring, and we're thrilled to support the Oregon Zoo in this most important effort."

The Oregon Zoo's condor facility is located in Clackamas County on Metro-owned open space. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.

The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program. California condor captive breeding programs are operated at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. The recovery goal for the condor program is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors (150 each), one in California and the other in Arizona. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery efforts and provide oversight of all program partners.

Condors are the largest land birds in North America, with wingspans of 9 1/2 feet. They are highly intelligent and inquisitive, often engaging in play. During the Pleistocene Era, which ended about 10,000 years ago, the condors' range extended across much of North America. By 1940, the range was reduced to the coastal mountains of southern California.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Bear lovers who have ever dreamed of working at a zoo can get one step closer through the Oregon Zoo's Bear Family Encounter, Saturday March 19 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Guests explore bear areas not normally accessible to the public, and learn about polar bears and sun bears directly from zoo staff.

"We know Portland won't be as warm as Palm Beach, but we also know that Oregonians have a great imagination," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "With Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys piped over the PA system, a few hibiscus garlands and a bit of grass skirting here and there, we can all put on our Hawaiian shirts and just pretend."

The event provides a tropical vacation for the animals as well as for zoo visitors, according to Vecchio.

Animals aren't the only ones who get to party for spring break. Zoo visitors can enjoy special spring break treats of their own. The zoo's restaurants will serve pulled pork, Jamaican jerk chicken and a variety of tasty fruit smoothies. The barbecue cart will be open. Tropical tunes will be piped over the PA system, and the zoo event volunteers are decorating with giant hibiscus blossoms, grass skirting and flower garlands. Visitors are encouraged to enhance the zoo's décor by coming in Hawaiian shirts or other tropical attire.

New this year will be an exhibit of two dozen lovely flamingos. Director Vecchio says he's delighted with the birds, since they are made of sturdy plastic and won't require fussy special diets or attention from keepers.

The zoo is internationally renowned for its animal enrichment programs. Enrichment challenges animals with complex tasks that require problem solving.

March 9, 2005
FAMILIES GO BEHIND THE SCENES, DISCOVER WORLD'S LARGEST AND SMALLEST BEARS

Guests make treats for the biggest and smallest bears in the world, and discover which bear prefers fish and which prefers fruit. Guests explore bear dens and examine polar bear hair and claws. Lastly, guests learn about bear personality traits, conservation efforts, and enrichment programs from zookeepers.

Guests can step into a bear exhibit and hide food and toys. In the past, the bears have received Jell-O, syrup, condiments, spices, and body sprays. After the treats are hidden, guests go behind closed doors to watch as the bears seek out their special surprises. Once the encounter is over, guests can enjoy all the other bear-related activities the zoo has to offer during Bear Fair.

"Enrichment treats and activities are designed to keep animals moving and thinking-and they're a blast to watch," says Charis Henrie, education program coordinator.

Behind the Scenes Encounters are enriching for the guests as well, by creating an appreciation for animals through one-of-a-kind experiences.

The Bear Family Encounter allows children 8-13 (accompanied by an adult) to go behind closed doors. Prices are $60 for two people and $30 for each additional person. Member prices are $50 for two people and $25 for each additional person. To sign up for the Bear Family Encounter, or for more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781.

Bear Fair is Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free with regular zoo admission. Check out the zoo's polar, grizzly and Malayan sun bears, and enjoy bear-themed activity stations. Bear Fair activities include a "Repair-A-Bear" vet station, games, storytelling, and a Teddy Bear Picnic area.

March 7, 2005
RARE CONDOR EGG DEEMED FERTILE
Zoo announces clutch of 5,000 edible condor eggs now available for consumption

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo staff carefully examined and weighed Oregon's first condor egg of 2005 yesterday afternoon and discovered it was fertile. If all goes well, the zoo can expect a new California condor chick by April 19. Less certain is the fate of the 5,000 miniature chocolate condor chicks inside chocolate eggs, available for purchase now through April 13 from Norm Thompson stores and catalogs.

Portland retailer Norm Thompson and The Oregon Zoo Foundation developed the chocolate novelties as a unique way to celebrate the arrival of the most recent condor egg and to aid the continued survival of the California condor, a species represented by only 243 birds worldwide. Although the chocolate condors outnumber their feathery brethren by 20 to 1, the zoo hopes they will soon become endangered: Norm Thompson will donate $5 from the $16.50 purchase of each 9.5 oz., milk chocolate egg to the zoo's condor recovery efforts. Individuals may purchase chocolate condor eggs at the Norm Thompson website.

The single, much rarer fertile condor egg-not available for purchase-resides at the zoo's off-site condor breeding facility. The oblong, grapefruit-sized egg was laid by Tama, one of the zoo's female California condors, on Feb. 21. The egg, which is 4.5" long and 2.7" wide, weighed in at 1/2 pound.
The condor staff examined the egg using a process called "candling," in which a high intensity light is shined through the shell to see if the embryo is fertile. In this case, a dime-sized chick embryo was visible within. The candling process was deemed too dangerous for the chocolate eggs.

According to Oregon Zoo Director Tony Vecchio, "This is an important step along the road to recovery for the California condor. The future of this species depends on the successful breeding of these captive birds."

Based on trial tests, chances of survival look slim for the chocolate condor chicks.
The condor recovery goal is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors, one in California and the other in Arizona. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery program and provide oversight of all program partners.

The Oregon Zoo joined the prestigious California Condor Recovery Program in 2001. The zoo's 12 condors came from team members at the Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Tama and her mate Mandan both came from the Los Angeles Zoo as an established breeding pair who had already produced 11 chicks in captivity.

Tama produced two eggs last year at the zoo's remote condor facility, located on Metro-owned open space in Clackamas County. Both eggs hatched to produce healthy chicks. The off-site facility is designed to minimize the exposure of young condors to people in order to increase the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild. The eventual goal of the Oregon facility is to house 16 breeding pairs producing up to 32 young a year.

The Oregon Zoo Foundation continues to accept donations for its ongoing condor conservation efforts. Individuals that want to help save the condor (but don't like chocolate) can visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Support/supportproject.htm or call 503-220-2493 to make a tax-deductible donation.

PORTLAND, Ore. - A game of Irish tug-of-war is expected to break out in the Oregon Zoo polar bear winter exhibit on Thursday, March 17. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, keepers will furnish the bears with green car wash strips attached to green buckets.

" Conrad and Yugyan love to play with the strips," said Marine Life keeper Julie Christie. "It's a great amount fun for them and visitors."

Windows in the summer exhibit will be decorated with green cream cheese, giving visitors an opportunity to see the bears up close as the bears lick the windows clean.

The zoo's sea otters will celebrate the holiday by receiving green ice treats. The sea otters are expected to enjoy the festivities as if they were native to the Emerald Isle.

This is the fifth year that the special St. Patrick's Day enrichment treats have been handed out to zoo residents. The Oregon Zoo is known internationally for its enrichment programs, which provide animals with the opportunity to play, hunt and forage as they would in the wild.

The zoo's Cascade Grill and gift shop will get into the spirit of the holiday with specials for zoo visitors. Cascade Grill will feature corned beef sandwiches and Irish Cream lattes. Visitors to the gift shop may purchase polar bear and sea otter plushes at special event pricing.

To watch a Web video of last year's event, go to http://www.oregonzoo.org/Newsroom/video.htm#stpatricksday.

March 3, 2005
ZOO HOSTS AN AFFAIR FOR BEARS AND BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
A party even Goldilocks wouldn't miss!

PORTLAND, Ore.-Oregon Zoo visitors will discover surprising facts about bears during Bear Fair, on Saturday, March 19, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo. A Behind the Scenes Family Encounter featuring the world's largest and smallest bears will also be available between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. for an additional fee.

Bear Fair, which is presented by Haggen Food & Pharmacy, will star polar, grizzly, and Malayan sun bears as well as teddy bears. Between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. many of the bears will receive special treats, including toys, feeder balls, large barrels, and huge piles of ice. Other Bear Fair activities include stories, activity stations, and experiments that will educate visitors about the different habitats and characteristics unique to each bear, including black bears (not on exhibit).

According to Krista Swan, Oregon Zoo event coordinator, "Repair-A-Bear," a special surgical mending station, will be set up for operations, checkups, shots, chiropractic adjustments and emergency patchwork "in case your teddy bear or other stuffed buddy needs a little extra loving care."

U.S. Forest Service's Smokey Bear will be making friends during his appearance, along with Haggen's costumed mascot, Splash. Haggen Food & Pharmacy will give a voucher good for $2 off Bear Fair admission to their customer cardholders who spend $10 at any Haggen store.

Between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on March 19, the zoo offers a special Behind the Scenes Family Encounter featuring bears. Visitors explore areas of the zoo not normally accessible to the public, as well as discover the rewards and challenges of caring for wild bears. Zoo staff will share inside information regarding bears and give a tour of one of the bear exhibits.

Participants will create fish treats for the polar bears or fruit treats for the Malayan sun bears. The treats serve as enrichment for the bears and are part of Oregon Zoo's innovative and internationally renowned animal enrichment program. Enrichment is designed to keep the animals mentally and physically active, just as they are in the wild.

"Enrichment activities are designed to keep animals moving and thinking-and they're a blast to watch," says Charis Henrie, education program coordinator.

Behind the Scenes Encounters are enriching for the visitors as well, by creating an appreciation for animals through one-of-a-kind experiences. Participants learn about the animals through personal interactions.

Behind the Scenes Family Encounters participants must be at least 8-years of age and accompanied by an adult if younger than 13 years of age. Member prices for family encounters are $50 for two people and $25 for each additional person. Non-member prices are $60 for two people and $30 for each additional person. Encounter offerings change quarterly. For more information about Behind the Scenes Family Encounters, please visit www.oregonzoo.org.

March 2, 2005
OREGON'S FIRST CONDOR HATCHED IN 100 YEARS TRAVELS SOUTH
Condor travels to California pre-release site to learn survival skills; release to the wild planned for summer

PORTLAND Ore. - The first California condor chick hatched in Oregon in 100 years leaves its nest today at the Oregon Zoo's condor breeding facility and travels south by plane. The nine-month-old chick, known as condor 340, is going to a pre-release pen atop a grassy knoll at Pinnacles National Monument, where he will learn survival skills before being released into the wild later this summer.

According to Joe Burnett, assistant zoo curator for the condors, the chick has been displaying independence from his foster mother and confidence around his foster father and is ready for the next step towards release into the wild. The chick will attend "condor prep school" with six other juvenile condors, where they will be mentored by a 13-year-old condor.

"The purpose of the pre-release facility is to acclimate the chicks to the condor social hierarchy as well as the environment they will be released into," says Burnett.

Learning the intricacies of condor social hierarchy is critical to the survival of young chicks. Mentoring helps chicks understand their place in condor society. They learn about mating behavior and about the appropriate time to feed on carrion (after higher status birds have finished feeding).

The pre-release facility also teaches young condors about the hazards they will face in the wild, including the dangers of utility poles. The facility is equipped with a mock utility pole capable of giving young condors a mild shock. The mild shock is designed to encourage the condors to avoid power poles to prevent electrocution in the wild.

Pre-release training can take anywhere from three to six months. Upon completion of the program, condor 340 can look forward to flying free above California's Gabilan Mountains near Salinas in central California.

As condor 340 leaves for Pinnacles National Monument, the Oregon Zoo's condor facility is preparing for the reception of Pismo, a 21-year-old female mentor condor. With the planned expansion of the zoo's own pre-release aviary this summer, Pismo will soon begin fostering future chicks before their release into the wild.

Burnett explains that Oregonians may someday see condors in the Pacific Northwest, but only after sustainable populations are established in California and Arizona.

"The image of condors soaring over the Gorge and coastal mountains of Oregon and Washington inspires me," says Burnett. "It's something I think we would all love to see. Completing our pre-release aviary is the first step toward making that dream a reality," he added.

Reintroducing condors to the Northwest is not an unrealistic goal, because condors have had a long history in Oregon.

"For thousands of years, native people described the condor as Thunderbird," according to Tony Vecchio, zoo director.

Archeologists have unearthed nine-thousand-year-old condor bones from Native American middens. The condor was a common design motif of the Wasco people, who lived along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Cascade Locks-the condor was considered a helper to the native peoples and a key character in many myths.

"In their journals, Lewis and Clark described condors flying high above the Columbia River," according to Vecchio. "They referred to them as the beautiful buzzard of the Columbia. I can't think of any species that connects conservation, Oregon history and culture as strongly as the condor," added Vecchio.

The Oregon Zoo is only the third zoo in the nation invited to join the California Condor Recovery Program. California condor captive breeding programs are operated at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, and The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. The recovery goal for the condor program is to establish a captive population of 150 birds and two separate wild populations of condors (150 each), one in California and the other in Arizona. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Condor Recovery Program coordinate and implement the recovery efforts and provide oversight of all program partners.

In November 2003, the Oregon Zoo received 12 condors. On Mother's Day 2004, the zoo welcomed its first condor chick-condor 340, which now weighs 25 pounds.